Red cherry shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are one of the most popular freshwater ornamental shrimp, known for their bright red coloration, peaceful nature and algae-grazing behaviour. They are an excellent choice for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks and peaceful community setups.

Red Cherry Shrimp are relatively easy to care for compared with many other ornamental shrimp species, making them suitable for beginners as well as experienced aquarists. They spend most of their time grazing on algae, biofilm and surfaces throughout the aquarium.

Red Cherry Shrimp Features

• Bright red coloration
• Peaceful freshwater ornamental shrimp
• Excellent choice for planted aquariums
• Active algae and biofilm grazers
• Easy to care for
• Suitable for dedicated shrimp tanks
• Can breed readily in suitable aquarium conditions
• Ideal for nano and planted aquariums

Aquarium Setup

Red Cherry Shrimp thrive in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water parameters. Provide plenty of plants, moss, driftwood and other surfaces where natural biofilm can develop.

Aquarium plants such as Java Moss, Anubias and other low-maintenance plants provide excellent grazing surfaces and hiding places, especially for young shrimp.

Avoid sudden changes in water temperature or water chemistry, as shrimp are sensitive to unstable conditions.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Keep as low as practical
• Stable water parameters are essential

Feeding

Red Cherry Shrimp naturally graze on algae, biofilm and microorganisms growing on aquarium surfaces. They can also be supplemented with quality shrimp food, algae wafers and suitable blanched vegetables.

Feed small quantities and remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful aquarium inhabitants. However, fish may eat baby shrimp, so a shrimp-only aquarium or a heavily planted aquarium is recommended if you want to maintain a healthy breeding colony.

Provide plenty of moss, plants and hiding places for shrimplets to improve their survival rate.

Breeding

Red Cherry Shrimp can breed readily in a mature aquarium when provided with stable water parameters, sufficient food and suitable hiding places. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until the young shrimp hatch as miniature versions of the adults.

Important Care Tips

• Add shrimp only to a fully cycled aquarium.
• Maintain stable water parameters.
• Avoid copper-based medications and products that are harmful to shrimp.
• Provide plenty of plants and hiding places.
• Avoid overfeeding.
• Acclimatise shrimp carefully when introducing them to a new aquarium.
• Use a pre-filter sponge on filter intakes to protect young shrimp.

Red Cherry Shrimp are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add colour, activity and natural algae-grazing behaviour to a freshwater planted aquarium.